Asking Alexandria coming to Sherman

Friday

May 3, 2013 at 8:24 AMMay 3, 2013 at 8:27 AM

MELANIE VANDERVEER

The hard rock band Asking Alexandria took over the genre last year, according to fans. With an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” headlining tour and new full-length album, the group of five friends is living the dream.

Guitar player Ben Bruce said he’s “enjoying life, maybe a little too much,” and has no plans to slow down any time soon.

The popular band with the critically acclaimed new album, “Reckless and Relentless,” debuted on the Billboard Top 200 charts at number nine, making this the biggest first week sales for any artist in the history of Sumerian Records. Amid the hectic touring schedule and nonstop partying, Bruce had a few minutes to chat with the Pocono Record about the upcoming Sherman Theater show.

Q: Have you ever played a gig in the Poconos, or is this your first time here?

If I’m completely honest, I can’t honestly remember where I’ve been. But I think I’ve played there before.

Q: How long have you guys been playing together?

We were 17 to 19 years old when we started. It’s been six years together now.

Q: Do you have any new music coming out soon?

We’ve actually just finished recording our third album. It’s taken about a year and a half to record. We started playing two of the new songs on the tour, and it’s going good.

Q: What do you think sets this album apart from the first two? And do you write all your own music?

We’ve finally figured out how to write good songs. I’m the main songwriter. Since I started playing guitar at 12, I wrote music. I never cared much for taking guitar lessons and playing someone else’s music.

Q: I love your British accent. Do you live in the U.K.?

I live in New Jersey. I miss being home and my family. I live in New Jersey because I think New Jersey and Pennsylvania are the closest thing to England. I’ve been here for so long now.

Q: What can people expect from your current tour?

I feel like we are so energetic. I feel like with some bands you don’t get to see a show; they just stand there. We put a lot of effort into our live show and try to get the audience involved as well.

Q: What’s next for you guys?

Our new album is coming out this summer, and then tour, tour, tour. We are going to the U.K., Australia, Japan and the States.